Your Video Avatar is a digital version of you. After creating it on HeyGen, there’s no need to appear on camera again! Simply write a script, and your avatar will present it just like you would. The creation process takes just around 5 minutes.
Getting Started
Step One: Log in to your HeyGen account.
Step Two: Click on Avatars in the sidebar.
Step Three: Select Create Avatar under the Video Avatar section.
🛎️ Note: The number of avatars you can create depends on your subscription tier.
Video Avatar Selection: Still or Motion?
First, choose between a Still Avatar and a Motion Avatar, each suited for different purposes:
Still Avatar: Ideal for announcements, training, customer communications, and outreach.
Motion Avatar: Perfect for external marketing projects, such as advertisements.
💡 Pro Tip: If this is the very first avatar you're creating, it's best to start with a Still avatar.
Still Avatar Instructions
You can now select either video instructions or on-screen text instructions for best practices in creating your Still avatar. Below is a copy of the text instructions.
For even more detailed guidance on creating a Still Avatar, check out our Still Avatar Advanced Instructions article here.
⚠️ Important: Be sure to avoid using HDR in your footage. We don’t support HDR (High Dynamic Range) files for avatars because it can distort colors, especially skin tones, causing the avatar to look unnatural. For the best results, make sure HDR is turned off when recording.
Motion Avatar Instructions
You can now select either video instructions or on-screen text instructions for best practices in creating your Motion avatar. Below is a copy of the text instructions.
For more detailed guidance on creating a Motion Avatar, check out our Motion Avatar Advanced Instructions article here.
Preparing Your Script
Choose a topic that feels natural and helps you stay focused on the camera. Here are a few ideas:
Deliver a product update
Introduce your business
Share a self-introduction
Present a sales pitch
Provide a training lesson
Below is a sample script you can use:
Hello! I'm feeling great right now with a relaxed tone and confident that I'll do well on this recording 😃. I'm in front of the camera, ready to go. I'm excited to try out this new tool and see what I can achieve with it.
<Close your mouth and breathe through your nose>
The lighting is perfect—no harsh shadows on my face. My pronunciation is clear, and I'm relaxed because this process has been simple, easy, and enjoyable 🥰. I'll add some natural, subtle hand movements 👐 throughout the recording, avoiding too much body or head movement. These gestures will help me look more natural and at ease.
<Close your mouth and breathe through your nose>
I'm not wearing sunglasses or accessories, so my face is clearly visible. My tone is steady, and I'm speaking naturally, with pauses between sentences. I'm relaxed, and this recording process has been fun 🥰.
<Close your mouth and breathe through your nose>
As I record, I'm thinking of happy memories that make me feel life is full and interesting. I'm holding onto this relaxed, joyful mood 😃 and hoping to carry it with me 🥰.
<Close your mouth and breathe through your nose>
I’ll continue adding slight hand movements 👐 to keep things feeling natural. My tone remains steady and expressive, and I’m proud of how it’s going so far. I’ll keep giving my best until the recording is done.
<Close your mouth and breathe through your nose>
It’s been a pleasure recording today, and I’m excited to see the final result. So far, everything has gone smoothly, and I hope things are going great for you too 😃.
<Close your mouth and breathe through your nose>
Sound Quality and Speech
When recording your avatar footage, it's crucial to ensure high sound quality.
Emotion in Speech: Be expressive and exaggerate your emotions while speaking. Since the final voice clone reduces excitement by about 30%, extra emotion in your recording helps create a lively and engaging avatar voice. Over-the-top expression is key to avoiding a robotic-sounding avatar.
Recording Your Video Avatar Footage
You can record your footage using your computer's webcam or upload a higher-quality video from your phone or camera.
💡 Pro Tips:
High-resolution cameras (including smartphones) deliver better results than laptop webcams.
If your footage is 4K, you can retain that quality [Enterprise Only].
You can opt for AI Background Matting to change backgrounds later (available only for Still Avatars).
Remember to smile and pause with your lips closed for the best results!
To submit your footage, you can upload a file or record via your webcam directly.
Recording Your Consent Footage
To ensure compliance with AI safety protocols, users must record a short consent video confirming their agreement to create the avatar.
Consent Video Requirements:
Include the provided consent text.
Keep the video under 30 seconds.
Use clear lighting and sound.
Match the video style to your avatar footage as closely as possible.
Ways to Submit Your Consent Video:
File Upload/Google Drive Link: Upload the video file or share a Google Drive link (available for Enterprise tier only).
Laptop Webcam: Record the video live using your laptop’s webcam.
Smartphone: Record the video live using your smartphone.
Common Consent Issues to Avoid
Different Person: The consent video must feature the same person as the avatar footage.
Screen Recording: Do not submit a recording of a screen playing the consent statement.
Poor Quality: Ensure the video is well-lit and the sound is clear. Videos that are too dark or have poor audio will not be accepted.
Reading the code: If your video includes a code, please make sure you read the code loud and clear to avoid errors.
Creating with Your Video Avatar
With your first avatar ready, you can create up to 100 different looks for the same person—all under one avatar slot! Once your initial avatar is processed (about 10-30 minutes for non-4K footage), you can start creating more "looks."
Here are some ideas for variations:
Backgrounds: Indoors or outdoors—like at your desk, in front of a whiteboard, or in a hallway.
Wardrobe: Professional or lifestyle outfits, such as a suit jacket, button-down, uniform, or different colors.
Camera Angles: Front-facing or side angles.
Stance: Sitting, standing, or even walking.
For example, our actress Jocelyn created multiple angles, outfits, and backgrounds for her avatar. These variations can be combined in the same video, giving the impression of dynamic, real-time footage!
Learn more about this feature in our Avatar Looks article.
Unsatisfied with Your Results?
No worries! Paid users can submit up to 100 different looks for the same avatar.
⚠️ Important Note: For every avatar slot you have, you can recreate each avatar once per month. Deleting an avatar permanently removes all its looks and cannot be undone.
Reminder: Your avatar reflects exactly what you put into it. Any coughs, unusual movements, robotic or echoey voice, or off-pitch speech in your original footage will appear in the avatar. Ensure your footage is clean and precise for the best results!
Avatar Deletion Resets by Subscription
Monthly Subscription: Avatar deletion resets each month with your subscription renewal.
Annual Subscription: Avatar deletion resets on the 1st of every month.
API for Video Avatar Creation
Yes, you can create avatars or videos using our API instead of directly through the HeyGen platform. The HeyGen API allows developers to programmatically generate videos, create and customize avatars, and access a range of other features that may be available on the platform.
This option is ideal for those who prefer a more flexible, hands-on approach to integrating HeyGen’s video and avatar capabilities within their own systems or applications. The API provides the tools to create custom workflows, automate video production, and incorporate HeyGen's technology into broader projects, allowing you to create interactive avatars and videos without needing to use the HeyGen app interface directly.
For more details on API capabilities and pricing, refer to our HeyGen API Plans article.
Need support in creating your first video avatar? We're here to help! Give us a shout at [email protected] or reach out through the chat widget on your dashboard.